$18,196

288

FUNDED - PRODUCTION STARTED - REWARDS IN JULY

"Worth funding!" and "works extremely well" - Geekanoids

"simple design that delivers a consistent and flexible hold for basically any device" - Android Rundown

Help launch the American made soft smartphone stand. This product looks really simple, and it is. But figuring out how to make it in the USA and keep the selling price reasonable was a huge challenge.

Many times I was told soft foam products like this "aren't made here." It basically came down to U.S. labor rates and standards. My focus is to create a quality product in a responsible way and still compete with overseas rivals. Here's our opportunity to prove that with the right technology and a healthy dose of community support it can be done.

But first, a little about the Podprop and where the idea came from.

Product features:

Fits all iPhone models and most other mobile devices

Rest your device inside or on top

Circular base is stable on irregular surfaces

Open channel on bottom facilitates power cords (iPhones) - providing for a docking station capability that's optional

Concept:

My wife Heather likes to fall asleep watching her iPod Nano. To watch in bed, she would use books or blankets to prop it up - which didn't work very well. So I went online to find a stand for her, but everything was either too flimsy or had hard edges.

This started my quest to create a simple stand with great function, that is both soft and sturdy. My first designs were created using a foam beer can cooler and a pair of scissors. It was functional, but wasn't pretty and had limitations. Now I'm poised to bring a much improved molded foam version to market.

Design:

The Podprop is a simple, one-piece stand that can be utilized by different kinds of smartphones and other small mobile devices. It works great for all iPhone models and most other like-sized electronic devices with view screens (BlackBerry, HTC, Motorola, Nokia, Samsung, Droids, LG, iPods, etc). The universal design means it doesn't have to be replaced every time you get something new.

This light, portable stand is easy to use and move around. Because it has no attached wires or embedded connectors, you can quickly slip your device in and out. The not-too-tight sizing provides enough room for silicone or plastic cases.

The Podprop is made of high-quality polyurethane foam encased in a durable vinyl coating - so it's easy to clean and hard to break. The stand has some flex to it, and will snap back into shape if squeezed (much like a stress ball).

The Podprop is ideal for:

Portrait View - custom shape includes dips and curves to keep a portrait phone in place and make it easy to reach lower buttons. A channel in the bottom platform allows for Apple power connectors.

Landscape View - devices placed in this position can be tilted from 45 to 90 degrees on the supporting front edge.

FaceTime - iPhone 4 users will find this stand works great for hands-free video chat.

A sturdy platform for your device when playing games, using Apps, or texting.

Buying a Pebble E-paper watch for your iPhone or Android? Use this to hold your phone, or as a nice soft place to keep your watch when not on your wrist.

The Podprop is best suited to a "molded foam" manufacturing process. The vast majority of these items come from overseas. Although it costs less, their poor factory working conditions and lax environmental standards are not for me. A key aspect of this project is that the Podprop be made here in America. I need to know the manufacturers and be assured that authentic, high-quality materials being used are both safe and environmentally compliant.

Your pledges:

I currently work as a business analyst for a publishing company. The math on the Podprop is pretty straightforward. It has to be made in high volume to offset higher U.S. labor costs and be competitive.

Kickstarter pledges will pay for a large capacity multi-chamber mold that forms the expanding foam in the Podprop shape. Creating production capacity is the key project objective and is absolutely essential for the success of this product.

Support creativity / backer rewards:

Have you ever had a idea and wanted to see how far you could take it? Here's an opportunity to help a independent, first-time product designer take a giant leap forward.

Please let others know about this project if you feel they might enjoy a Podprop or would like to help make it possible.

Thank you,

Ken

For more information about the Podprop please visit our website at podprops.com

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $250 or more
About $250

CUSTOM LOGO PACKAGE: TWENTY-FIVE or more Podprops and we'll put together a custom logo package. For $250: Get your logo or messaging on the front and / or back.

Choose any mix from the four available colors (black, blue, gray or stone). Packaging can be either a sealed clear bag and / or cardboard box for every unit. We can even include your business card. See our custom logos American flag sample photo or contact us for more details. Want more than 25? Add $10 per additional unit or contact me. Thanks, Ken